President Donald Trump largely stuck to the script during his Salute to America outside the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, championing the U.S. military to a crowd of thousands while planes, helicopters and even a stealth bomber flew overhead.

The presidents touted Fourth of July celebration began with an afternoon downpour earlier in the day, prompting fears that his vows for a display of military might and the biggest ever fireworks show would be scuttled. But thousands turned out for the event anyway, many wearing red Make America Great Again hats, as Trump gave an elaborate military tribute and de facto history lesson.

Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before, Trump said Thursday evening. It is its strongest now.

At one point, Trump encouraged young people to join the armed forces as he championed those with past military honors who were on hand for the celebrations, including recipients of the Medal of Honor.

To young Americans across the country, now is a chance to join the military and make a statement in life, and you should do it, he said.

Throughout the nearly hourlong address, the president shared a lengthy and at times awkward timeline of each branch of the armed services, referencing Civil War battles and Revolutionary War generals. Between each act, military hardware flew over the National Mall, including an appearance by one of the Air Forces B-2 stealth bombers and the new Marine One helicopter , which is still in testing.